Threats to archaeological heritage, incl. looting and destruction of hillforts, castles, religious objects, burial grounds and other sites, illegal obtaining and trade of antiquities lead to impoverishment of archaeological heritage and irreversible loss of both immovable and movable archaeological objects. These threats are most often observed from the point of view of criminal justice and heritage deprivation, not always paying sufficient attention to socio-economic consequences. On the other hand, the study of socio-economic opportunities provided by management of archaeological sites has been paid relatively moderate attention. The research literature on the socio-economic problematics of threats to archeological heritage as well as the aforementioned opportunities most often addresses situations in countries located outside the Baltic region of Europe and with some rare exceptions does not relate to Latvia. However, the available statistical data as well as information provided by law enforcement and heritage protection institutions on the damage of Latvian archaeological sites and the illegal trade of archaeological artifacts originating from Latvia indicates existing danger for national archaeological heritage, although the situation has improved in recent years. In economic terms effective management of cultural heritage provides large opportunities for development in related fields. This is the reason why threats to archaeological heritage cause not only cultural and aesthetic losses as well as elimination of possibilities to know one’s own history but produce also local, regional and even national economic development barriers concerning investment, public revenue, tourism, scientific and research potential et al. The presentation, using available statistics, drawing upon expert interviews, study of scientific literature and legal regulation will provide insight into Latvian archaeological heritage potential, socio-economic characteristics of archaeological heritage, consequences of the corresponding threats, some countermeasures applied and issues of estimating monetary value of national antiquities.